CHAPTER IX.

                  DISEASES OF THE FEET.

              TENDER FEET OR "THULLEE."

This is a very common ailment.

Causes.—Continued marching over hard or stony ground
during hot weather ; it also occurs amongst animals that are
marched first through swampy grounds and then over stony or
rocky country. In some cases, where animals have been kept on
dirty standings, the soles are quite soft. Steel mentions that
elephants employed in heavy draught are liable to overwear at the
junction of the hoof-slipper with the skin.

Symptoms.—Short action, at times lameness. If the feet be
examined, the tender parts will be at once seen ; they are quite
smooth and of a yellowish or pinkish colour, and if pressed the
animal shows evidence of tenderness.

Treatment.—Regular inspection of the feet ; if a tender patch
be observed, the animal should be rested forthwith. The standing
should be of dry earth, not sand. Rest and keeping the feet dry
is the only treatment. Mahouts to prevent the occurrence use
astringent mixtures, called chobing, which have been found of
practical value. Hawkes recommends—

Melt together and apply as an ointment to the feet.
           One tola equals 3 drs.—Hawkes.

Steel, condensing one of Gilchrist's formulae for chobing, gives
the following prescription :—

Melt together and apply to the soles of feet night and morning.